2 Corinthians 1:12 For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom… I. CONSCIENCE IS, PERHAPS, THE GREATEST POWER IN THE WORLD. it is an inward knowledge, which speaks either for or against the person in whom it resides. It witnesses not only to outward things, but also to inner ones; not only to our words and actions, but to our motives, thoughts, and feelings. Hence its immense power either to comfort or to distress. II. EVERY ONE WILL BE JUDGED ACCORDING TO HIS CONSCIENCE. III. HOW IS THE CONSCIENCE TO RE TRAINED? 1. Pray that it may be a right one in everything, and expect it in answer to your prayers. 2. Square it with the Bible. 3. Honour it; never trifle with it in the smallest thing. 4. Disobey whatever is against it, however pleasant, advantageous and popular. 5. Do not be afraid to take its comfort when it tells you that you are right. IV. HERE THEN ARE THE TWO QUESTIONS FOR OURSELVES, the two lines which conscience should take. 1. In worldly things, in all my dealings with my fellow-creatures, in my ways of spending my time, my expenses, amusements, family, servants, employers, etc. What must conscience say? Has it all been with a single eye? Has it been "in simplicity and godly sincerity"? 2. And in more decidedly religious points, what does conscience say? Have I been true to my Church, to my conscience, to my God? Have I loved God's house? Is any one the better because I am a Christian? (1) A condemning conscience is a dark shade thrown over the life. How will my conscience condemn me on a dying bed? (2) But there is something worse than a condemning conscience — a silent conscience. It is God going away! (3) But for a condemning or a silent conscience there is a remedy. A conscience sprinkled with the blood of Christ. (J. Vaughan, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward. |
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